Insurance on file (BMC-91/91X) before activation
Your insurer files proof of liability coverage (BMC-91) with FMCSA — required before your authority goes active.
- Filed with
- FMCSA (filed by your insurer)
- Cost
- Premium varies; your insurer files at no extra FMCSA fee
- Time
- Insurer files — allow a few days
What you'll need
- An active commercial auto liability policy — the federal minimum is $750,000 for general freight, though many brokers and shippers require $1,000,000
- Your MC number
Step by step
- 1
Buy commercial auto liability
At the FMCSA minimum for your cargo and operation.
- 2
Give your MC number to your insurer
Ask them to file the BMC-91 (or 91X) electronically.
- 3
Confirm it posted
Check your FMCSA record shows active insurance before you haul.
Worth knowing
- You have ~20 days from your FMCSA Register publication to get insurance on file, or your application is dismissed.
- A coverage lapse later puts you out of service.
Fact-checked June 2026. Fees, screens, and dates change — always reconfirm at the official source at filing time.
Never track this deadline by hand again
1Kompliance computes which filings apply to you and reminds you before each one. Free for up to 5 trucks.
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